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← The Pantanal
WILDLIFE

Pantanal wildlife

Meet some of the residents you may find on our boat trips, safaris and walks. All photos were taken in the region.

THE STAR

Jaguar

Panthera onca

The largest cat in the Americas and the reason for many trips to the Pantanal. Unlike other cats, it loves water: it swims well, crosses rivers and hunts caimans and capybaras along the banks.

The Porto Jofre area, at the end of the Transpantaneira, is one of the best places in the world to see it, especially in the dry season, when animals gather near the rivers.

Jaguar in the water
Jaguar resting
Jaguar in the shade
RARE SIGHTINGS

Animals few people ever get to see

With patience and guides who know every trail, you may also meet animals many people go a lifetime without seeing.

Harpy eagle, the largest eagle in the Americas
Harpy eagle chick calling from the nest
Ornate hawk-eagle
Saki monkey, a primate of the Amazon
Maned wolf: here the Amazon meets the Cerrado
Tapir, Brazil's largest land mammal
Spectacled owl
Giant anteater in the grassland
Ocelot on the night safari
AND MUCH MORE

Who else lives here

Giant otter eating a fish Mammal

Giant otter

Pteronura brasiliensis

The largest otter in the world. It lives in noisy family groups and is a skilled fisher. It's an endangered species, and seeing one is always a gift.

Capybaras with a wattled jacana Mammal

Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

The largest rodent in the world. Semi-aquatic, it lives in groups along rivers and lagoons and shows up on almost every tour.

Yacare caiman camouflaged among water hyacinths Reptile

Yacare caiman

Caiman yacare

Present by the thousands on banks and lagoons. After hunting ended, the population recovered and today it's one of the symbols of the Pantanal.

Yellow anaconda crossing a dirt road Reptile

Yellow anaconda

Eunectes notaeus

The Pantanal's typical anaconda. It isn't venomous: it's a constrictor that spends much of its time in the water.

Hyacinth macaw perched Bird

Hyacinth macaw

Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

The largest macaw in the world. Its powerful bill cracks palm nuts, and it usually nests in hollows of manduvi trees.

Toco toucan on a branch tossing a fruit in the air Bird

Toco toucan

Ramphastos toco

The largest toucan in the world. Its huge, light bill helps it reach fruit at the tips of branches and also regulates body temperature.

Black-collared hawk in flight Bird

Black-collared hawk

Busarellus nigricollis

A bird of prey that lives near water and fishes at the surface, with rough talons that help it grip fish.

Tapir at the forest edge Mammal

Tapir

Tapirus terrestris

The largest land mammal in Brazil. Known as the forest's gardener, it spreads seeds wherever it goes.

Howler monkeys high in a tree Mammal

Black howler monkey

Alouatta caraya

The male is black and the female has light fur. Its loud roar, echoing through the forest at dawn, can be heard from far away.

Bare-faced ibis perched on a branch Bird

Bare-faced ibis

Phimosus infuscatus

An ibis with a curved bill that searches for food in the mud of flooded areas, almost always in flocks.

Guira cuckoo perched Bird

Guira cuckoo

Guira guira

Sociable, it moves in flocks and several pairs may share the same nest. Its messy crest is its trademark.

Bare-faced curassow in the forest Bird

Bare-faced curassow

Crax fasciolata

A large bird that walks on the forest floor. The male is black with a yellow bill, and both sexes have a curly crest.

See all photos in the gallery

Come see it up close

Experienced guides, a boat and an itinerary designed to boost your chances of a sighting.